US Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina and a close confidant of former President Donald Trump, has died suddenly at the age of 71. His office confirmed the death on Saturday, July 11, following a "brief and sudden illness."
Details of the Incident
Emergency services were called to Graham's Capitol Hill residence on Saturday evening after reports of a cardiac arrest, according to police scanner audio cited by NBC News. Paramedics, police cars, and firefighters were seen at his home. Graham had just returned to the US from Ukraine on Friday, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv.
Statement from His Office
In a statement, his office said: "Senator Graham's family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period." The news came as he was scheduled to appear on NBC News' "Meet The Press" on Sunday.
Political Career and Legacy
First elected to the House of Representatives three decades ago and to the Senate in 2002, Graham was a steadfast ally of President Trump. He had planned to run for re-election this year. His sudden death has prompted tributes from colleagues and political figures across the spectrum.
